If you've compared respirator listings and noticed some labelled "N95" and others "P2," you might assume they're different products. They're not — they're the same filtration standard, tested under different national frameworks.
N95 vs P2: the actual difference
N95 is the US NIOSH standard; P2 is the Australian/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS 1716). Both require the respirator to filter at least 95% of airborne particles when properly fitted. In practice, a genuine P2 respirator offers equivalent protection to a genuine N95 — the naming difference is regulatory, not a difference in performance.
What actually matters more than the label
- Certification, not just the name printed on the box. Look for the AS/NZS 1716 marking (for P2) or NIOSH approval number (for N95) actually printed on the respirator itself, not just the packaging.
- Fit. Even a certified respirator only filters as claimed with a proper seal against your face — facial hair, an incorrect size, or a loose nose clip all reduce real-world protection significantly.
- Duty rating. Some respirators are rated for extended clinical use, others for shorter general use — check the product listing for intended use case.
N95/P2 vs surgical masks
These are a different category entirely. A surgical mask is a fluid-resistant barrier against droplets and splashes — it does not form a tight facial seal and isn't designed to filter airborne particles the way a respirator does. Surgical masks suit general clinical and everyday use; N95/P2 respirators suit higher-risk airborne exposure situations.
Choosing for a clinic or practice
Stock levels, box sizing, and per-unit cost matter more at volume — our Bulk Order Enquiry page is the fastest way to get pricing for clinic or aged-care quantities.
This guide is general information. Always follow your workplace's PPE policy and any specific guidance from your infection control lead.